Let's Get Moving - Quarterly PE Extension Partnership with Sports C.L.U.B. of Naples

Educational Pathways Academy serves students with language-based learning disabilities, primarily dyslexia. Many of our students also have a diagnosis of ADHD. Our school offers an intensive literacy intervention model embedded within a traditional school setting, and our students participate in an enriching program that includes art, physical education, and robotics in addition to literacy intervention. The goal of our PE program is for students to gain confidence while developing athletic skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. Physical activity is also a meaningful “reset” for our students, who work hard to make academic gains. Physical education is a significant component of our comprehensive program designed to support the growth of the whole child. My goal with this grant is to enhance the physical education experience for our students and expose them to new games and equipment. This grant request will fund a a partnership with the nonprofit organization, Sports C.L.U.B. of Naples, providing students with four field trips to their facility throughout the school year.

Students will participate in four physical education field trip experiences at Sports C.L.U.B. of Naples during the school year. During each field trip, students will rotate in groups through a variety of activities such as gymnastics, basketball, dodgeball, soccer, and independent open play. Activities will be led by Sports C.L.U.B. activity directors and adapted based on students’ age, developmental needs, skill levels, and our school’s stated goals for the visit. The partnership will provide students with access to facilities and equipment that EPA cannot currently offer on campus, including a large playground structure, regulation-size indoor and outdoor courts, and gymnastics equipment. The variety of activities will allow students to try new sports and forms of movement in a safe, structured environment while developing physical skills, confidence, teamwork, communication, and independence. Each field trip will combine guided instruction and organized games with opportunities for students to explore activities more independently. A pilot program with Sports C.L.U.B. Naples was developed during the 25-26 school year, and our students and my fellow faculty members had a very positive experience. Students enthusiastically engaged with the instructors and quickly adapted to new games and rules. In addition to being an outstanding opportunity for physical movement, students and teachers bonded through play and exploration. When school started this year, my students were asking when we could go back.

I expect students to demonstrate increased engagement in physical activity, stronger social skills through team-building and cooperative games, and greater enthusiasm for movement and wellness. Students will also have opportunities to build confidence as they try unfamiliar activities, develop new skills, and interact with peers in a different environment. Success will be measured in ways that are meaningful to this experience: active participation, positive engagement, and students expressing a desire to participate again. Because this grant will fund four visits throughout the school year, I expect to see a more meaningful and sustained benefit for our students. Multiple visits will also allow me to collect feedback from teachers and administrators and provide guidance to Sports C.L.U.B. staff on how they can best support and challenge our students and build upon positive experiences from previous visits. This consistent and cumulative approach will provide students with a meaningful enhancement to our existing PE program. I hope to see plenty of “sweaty kids and happy faces” as evidence that students were challenged, engaged, and enjoying physical activity. The success of the pilot program and positive student feedback provide a strong foundation for continuing and expanding this partnership. Following the visits, teachers will gather feedback through direct conversations with students and a brief student survey. Observations of participation, cooperation, willingness to try new activities, and overall student response will also help EPA evaluate the impact of the program and determine the value of continuing the partnership.

We are requesting funding for four SportsClub physical education extension field trips during the 26-27 school year. Sports C.L.U.B. has offered this program below their cost - they are providing bus transportation, a driver, fuel, plus usage of their facility, equipment, and coaching staff. Grant funds will cover the full cost of four field trips that will span the 26-27 school year.

1800

Round trip bus service (2 vehicles, 2 drivers) - Q1

190

Round trip bus service (2 vehicles, 2 drivers) - Q2

190

Round trip bus service (2 vehicles, 2 drivers) - Q3

190

Round trip bus service (2 vehicles, 2 drivers) - Q4

190

Facility fee (equipment usage, Sports C.L.U.B. coaches) - Q1

260

Facility fee (equipment usage, Sports C.L.U.B. coaches) - Q2

260

Facility fee (equipment usage, Sports C.L.U.B. coaches) - Q3

260

Facility fee (equipment usage, Sports C.L.U.B. coaches) - Q4

260